Effect of Cross-Linking Agent on Mechanical and Permeation Properties of Criolla Orange Pectin

M. GUADALUPE GARCIA; M.A. MASUELLI

Pectin-The New-Old Polysaccharides

INTECH

Lugar: London; Año: 2022; p. 143 - 154

Pectin from orange peel was extracted and cross-linked, applying differentcross-linking agents to visualize any effect on its mechanical and permeationproperties. Calcium chloride (II) and iron chloride (III) were the cross-linking agents.Besides, commercial pectin was also used to compare its properties with neat orangepectin. Tensile testing showed mechanical stiffness of the orange pectin matrix in thepresence of cross-linking agents. Calcium ions better cross-linked the polymer matrixas shown by their highest tensile strength and elastic modulus, with moderate elongationat break. Iron ions showed a weaker cross-linking effect on the pectin matrix,improving the elastic modulus but retaining almost the same tension strength. Lowerelongation at break concerning neat orange pectin was observed for cross-linkedsamples. Water uptake (WU) and water vapor permeation (WVP) of cross-linkedsamples had lower values than those of neat orange pectin. However, these results arestill high compared with synthetic polymers. Finally, gas permeation assays wereperformed using N2, O2 and CO2 gases, according to exchangeable gases in freshfruits and vegetable packaging. Results showed a conveniently modified atmosphereeffect by avoiding CO2 permeation and stabilizing N2 and O2 selectivity.